Indie motorsport excitement

The World’s Greatest Race has been won by Audi, but thoughts are with Simonsen’s family and team.

For the second year in succession, Audi has won the Le Mans 24 Hours with a hybrid race car. Victory was clinched by an Audi R18 e-tron quattro driven for 24 hours non-stop by Loïc Duval, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish (GB). However the 90th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours was overshadowed by a fatal accident that occurred in the GT class shortly after the race started. Unfortunately Allan Simonsen crashed his Aston Martin and was the first fatality at Le Mans in 15 years

Photo credit: Audi

“Obviously, this horrible incident dampens the joy about another great Le Mans victory for Audi” commented Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “This is the first fatal accident we’ve had to witness in 15 Le Mans years. I hope it’ll remain the last.”

Rain showers crossed the track again and again during the race. They resulted in numerous incidents and the race ran for more than five hours under ‘yellow’ while the track was cleared and repairs were performed.

Photo credit: Audi

The three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars, which are equipped with an electrically driven front axle, were the fastest vehicles in the field throughout the entire race – as well as the most efficient ones: Victory in the Michelin Green X Challenge, a competition of the cleanest, fastest and most efficient prototypes, went to Audi as well.

Driver Loïc Duval said it was “A really great moment in my career,” whilst Tom Kristensen said “I’m proud to drive for the world’s best team.’ He added ‘This Le Mans success I’m dedicating to Allan Simonsen.”